Study finds red wine boosts immune system

A component found in red wine could improve the immune system and counteract the effects of a high fat diet, scientists have found for the first time.

Studies carried out by the University of Texas showed that resveratrol, found in grapes, peanuts and berries, can ease the effects on the immune system caused by a high fat diet.

Christopher Jolly, associate professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin, said: “In preclinical studies, resveratrol has been shown to be beneficial in slowing the ageing process and inhibiting some of the deleterious effects linked to obesity.”

“However, this is the first study showing resveratrol’s effects on the immune system.”

The study showed that mice who were given a high fat diet and doses of resveratrol gained less body weight than those given no resveratrol.

Resveratrol, found naturally in plants and in particular the roots of Japanese knotweed, has previously been the topic of discussion for its supposed anti-ageing properties.

The Study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, suggests resveratrol can protect against weight gain and counteract its impact on the immune system.

Scientists said people who ate berries, nuts and red grapes – including red wine in moderation – could be expected to reap the benefits.

Jolly added: “”Even if you have a very unhealthy diet, there are things you can consume simultaneously that can help protect you from some of the ill effects of an unbalanced diet.”